Multiligand constructs

ABSTRACT

Multiligand constructs and intermediate multivalent constructs for use in their preparation are described. The multiligand constructs have utility in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/998,345, filed Jul. 6, 2011, pending, which is a 371 of PCT/EA2008/000006, filed 13 Oct. 2008, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to multiligand constructs for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and intermediate multivalent constructs for use in the preparation of the multiligand constructs.

In particular, the invention relates to tri- and tetra-ligand constructs for use in the inhibition of ligand-receptor mediated events such as viral infection of cells and the initiation of immune responses.

BACKGROUND ART

Many biological interactions are mediated by binding between a multivalent receptor and its target. Such multivalent binding occurs between virus receptors and ligands expressed at the surface of target cells prior to infection.

Antibodies (IgG, IgM) bind antigen via multiple binding sites prior to initiation of the complement cascade (Alzari et al (1988); Merritt and Hol (1995); Ascenzi et al (2000); Reni (1995)).

The events that occur subsequent to the initial multivalent binding event (e.g. viral infection of cells, transfusion/tissue rejection) are often deleterious to the host.

Multivalent binding events are characterized by low dissociation constants (K_(d)). A compound intended to be administered to a host as a competitive inhibitor of the binding event must have a significantly higher affinity for the receptor to provide a therapeutic effect.

One approach to providing competitive inhibitors of multivalent binding is to design compounds comprising multiple ligands for the receptor.

Dendrimeric molecules are an example of compounds comprising multiple ligands designed to participate in multivalent binding with a receptor (Tomalia et al (1990); Tsvetkov et al (2002); Jayaraman et al (1997)).

A limitation of these dendrimeric molecules is that they are of high molecular weight and the intramolecular ligand separation is poorly defined.

A further limitation of these dendrimeric molecules is that many of the ligands of the molecule do not participate in productive interactions with the receptor.

Antennary molecules are another example of compounds comprising multiple ligands designed to participate in multivalent binding with a receptor (Fon et al (2000)).

An advantage of antennary molecules is that they comprise fewer ligands—typically three to five—than their dendrimeric counterparts.

The use of rigid carrier molecules or templates is yet another example of the design of compounds comprising multiple ligands for a receptor.

Candidate carrier molecules include cyclodextrins, calixarenes and porphirines (Kiessling and Pohl (1996); Matsuura et al (2004); Mellet et al (2002); Lundquist and Toone (2002); Fon et al (2000)).

A limitation of these rigid carrier molecules is that their dimensions place a constraint on the possible intra-molecular separation of the conjugated ligands (circa 10 Å).

The dimensions of carrier molecules is in contrast with the separation of the binding sites of multivalent receptors such as viruses (e.g. influenza virus hemaglutinin (HA) >50 Å) and antibodies (>100 Å).

It is an object of the invention to provide molecules capable of inhibiting multivalent binding events.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method of preparing inhibitors of the interaction between a multivalent receptor and its target where the intra-molecular separation of the ligands is pre-determined.

These objects are to be read disjunctively with the object of to at least provide a useful choice.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In a first aspect the invention provides multiligand constructs of the structure: {F-S₁-S₂-S₃-}_(n)CA where:

-   -   F is a ligand for a receptor;     -   S₁-S₂-S₃ is a spacer linking F to C; and     -   n is 3 when A is CH₃, or n is 4 when A is absent.

Preferably, the receptor is selected from the group consisting of: influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and anti-A or anti-B immunoglobulin.

Preferably, F is a ligand selected from the group consisting of: Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O— (6′SLN), GalNAcα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O— (A_(tri)) and Galα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O— (B_(tri))

Preferably, the spacer is a rigid spacer.

Preferably, S₁ is selected from the group consisting of: 1-amino-C₂₋₄-alkyl. More preferably, S₁ is selected from the group consisting of: 1-aminopropyl.

Preferably, S₂ is selected from the group consisting of: —CO(CH₂)₃CO—, —CO(CH₂)₄CO—, and —CO(CH₂)₅CO—. More preferably, S₂ is selected from the group consisting of: —CO(CH₂)₄CO—.

Preferably, S₃ is of the structure:

where:

-   -   R is CH₃ or H;     -   m is an integer between 1 and 5; and     -   * is other than H.

In a first embodiment of the first aspect the invention provides a multiligand construct of the structure:

designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

In a second embodiment of the first aspect the invention provides a multiligand construct of the structure:

designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

In a third embodiment of the first aspect the invention provides a multiligand construct of the structure:

designated {A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

In a fourth embodiment of the first aspect the invention provides a multiligand construct of the structure:

designated {A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

In a fifth embodiment of the first aspect the invention provides a multiligand construct of the structure:

designated {B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

In a sixth embodiment of the first aspect the invention provides a multiligand construct of the structure:

designated {B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

In a second aspect the invention provides constructs for use in the preparation of multiligand constructs of the first aspect of the invention of the structure: {H-S₃-}_(n)CA where:

-   -   S₃ is a spacer linking H to C; and     -   n is 3 when A is CH₃, or n is 4 when A is absent.

Preferably the spacer is a rigid spacer.

Preferably, S₃ is of the structure:

where:

-   -   R is CH₃ or H;     -   m is an integer between 1 and 5; and     -   * is other than H.

In a first embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂ (MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃.

In a second embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃.

In a third embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃.

In a fourth embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃.

In a fifth embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃.

In a sixth embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C.

In a seventh embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C.

In a eighth embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C.

In a ninth embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C.

In a tenth embodiment of the second aspect the invention provides a construct of the structure:

designated {H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C.

In a third aspect the invention provides a method of preparing a multiligand construct of the first aspect of the invention via an intermediate multivalent construct of the second aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the method of preparing the multiligand construct of the first aspect of the invention includes the step of:

-   -   Reacting an activated ligand derivative of the structure         F-S₁-S₂-A with the intermediate multivalent construct of the         second aspect of the invention;         where:     -   F is the ligand;     -   S₁ is selected from the group consisting of: 1-amino-C₂₋₄-alkyl;     -   S₂ is selected from the group consisting of: —CO(CH₂)₃CO—,         —CO(CH₂)₄CO—, and —CO(CH₂)₅CO—; and     -   A is an activator.

Preferably, A is selected from the group consisting of: 4-nitrophenyl (Nph) or N-oxysuccinimide (Nos)

In a fourth aspect the invention provides a method of inhibiting infection of a subject by a virus by administering to the subject an effective amount of a multiligand construct of the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the virus is selected from the group consisting of: influenza virus.

Preferably, the administering to the subject is by inhalation.

Preferably, the multiligand construct is of a structure selected from the group consisting of:

designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—); and

designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

In a fifth aspect the invention provides a pharmaceutical preparation including a multiligand construct of the first aspect of the invention and pharmaceutically acceptable formulants.

Preferably, the pharmaceutical preparation is of a formulation suitable for administering to a subject by inhalation.

Preferably, the multiligand construct is of a structure selected from the group consisting of:

designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—); and

designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

In the description and claims of the specification the following terms and phrases have the meanings provided:

“Glycotope” means the portion of the carbohydrate moiety of a ligand that associates with the binding site of a receptor.

“Ligand” means any molecule or portion of a molecule that binds to one or more macromolecules, such as surface expressed antigens.

“Multiligand” means having a plurality of ligands.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable formulants” means ingredients included in the formulation of a pharmaceutical composition.

“Receptor” means a macromolecule or portion of a macromolecule such as a surface expressed antigen that binds to one or more ligands.

“Vascular system” means the system of vessels that convey fluids such as blood or lymph, or provide for the circulation of such fluids.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings pages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Generic structure of the multiligand constructs designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]_(n)Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

FIG. 2. Generic structure of the multiligand constructs designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]_(n)Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

FIG. 3. Generic structure of the multiligand constructs designated {6′-SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]_(n)Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

FIG. 4. Generic structure of the multiligand constructs designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]_(n)Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl and S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—).

FIG. 5. Structure of the multiligand construct designated {A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (53A).

FIG. 6. Structure of the multiligand construct designated {A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (54A).

FIG. 7. Structure of the multiligand construct designated {B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (53B).

FIG. 8. Structure of the multiligand construct designated {B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (54B).

FIG. 9. Comparison of inhibition of mAbs A3 binding to A_(tri)-PAA-coated plates by A_(tri)-PAA, multiligand construct (53A), and multiligand construct (54A). Concentrations of 50% inhibition were 20 μM.

FIG. 10. Comparison of inhibition of anti-A antibodies (human blood serum, blood group III) binding to A_(tri)-PAA-coated plates by A_(tri)-PAA, multiligand construct (53A), and multiligand construct (54A). Concentration of 50% inhibition was 40 μM for A_(tri)-PAA and (53A), and 10 μM for (54A).

FIG. 11. Comparison of inhibition of mAbs B8 binding to B_(tri)-PAA-coated plates by B_(tri)-PAA, multiligand construct (53B), and multiligand construct (54B). All compounds at a concentration equivalent to 0.3 mM of trisaccharide (B_(tri)).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The multiligand constructs of the invention may be prepared in trivalent or tetravalent forms from the triamine (1) or tetraamine (2) base reagents, respectively, and via the intermediate multivalent constructs described below.

A number of derivatives of putative ligands (F-S₁-H, where F is the ligand) may be employed in the preparation of the multiligand constructs via the intermediate multivalent constructs. Examples of these derivatives are provided in Table 1.

Other putative ligands include: Galβ1-4GlcNAc; Galβ1-3GlcNAc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3GlcNAc; Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; Galβ1-3(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc; Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc; Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc; Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-4Gal; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-4Gal; SAα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc; SAα2-6Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4(GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; SAα2-6Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; SAα2-6Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; SAα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc; and SAα2-6Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc, where SA is sialic acid

The invention provides for the intra-construct ligand separation to be pre-determined. Accordingly, in addition to the specificity of binding being determined by the characteristics of the moiety selected to provide the ligand, the avidity of binding between the construct and the receptor expressing target may be optimized.

Reaction of the base reagent with the N-oxisuccinimide ester of Boc-protected glycylglycine (Boc-GlyGlyNos) (3) and subsequent deprotection of the glycylglycine substituted base (4 or 5) provides a triamine block (6) or tetraamine block (7) (Scheme IA or IB).

TABLE 1 Structure and designation of intermediates (F—S₁—H) .

6′ SLN (Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ). A_(tri) (GalNAcα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ).). B_(tri) (Galα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ).

Reaction of iminodiacetic acid dimethyl ester (8) with the N-oxisuccinimide ester of Boc-protected glycylglycine (Boc-GlyGlyNos) (3) followed by partial hydrolysis of the dimethyl ester (9) and subsequent esterification of the acid (10) with N-oxisuccinimide provides the ester of Boc-protected diglycyl(methoxylcarbonylmethyl)glycine (11) (Scheme II).

Intermediates of the multiligand constructs in trivalent form are prepared by reacting the triamine block (6) prepared by the method of Scheme IA with the Boc-protected diglycyl(methoxylcarbonylmethyl)glycine N-oxisuccinimide ester (11) prepared by the method of Scheme II.

Intermediates of the multiligand constructs in tetravalent form are prepared by reacting the tetraamine block (7) prepared by the method of Scheme IB with the Boc-protected diglycyl(methoxylcarbonylmethyl)glycine N-oxisuccinimide ester (11) prepared by the method of Scheme II.

Multiligand constructs of either the trivalent or tetravalent form are prepared by consecutive elongation of the intermediates via their respective trifluoroacetic acid (CF₃COOH) salts.

The elongation steps provide elongated product of Formula I in high yield:

where:

-   -   m is the integer 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; and     -   n is 3 and A is CH₃, or n is 4 and A is absent.

Deprotection of the terminal Boc-protected amino function of the product of Formula I provides the product of Formula II:

where:

-   -   m is the integer 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; and     -   n is 3 and A is CH₃, or n is 4 and A is absent.

Although the products of Formula II are prepared in the Examples as CF₃COOH salts, it will be understood that other salts of the products of Formula II may be prepared. For convenience, in the representations of the structures of the products of Formula II, the acid of the salt has been omitted.

Multiligand constructs with a range of pre-determined ligand separations may therefore be prepared. The ligand separation of the construct is a function of the valency of the block (6,7) and the number of elongation steps (Scheme IIIA and IIIB) employed to provide the products of Formula I and Formula II.

Thus multiligand constructs prepared from the constructs identified in Tables 2 and 3 may be selected according to the intra-construct ligand separation required to provide optimal avidity or binding between the construct and the receptor expression target.

TABLE 2

(27)

(28)

(29)

TABLE 3

(30)

(31)

(32)

The products of Formula II are conjugated to a ligand (F) to provide the multiligand constructs. The conjugation may be mediated via the use of a spacer (S₂) moiety derived from a reagent such as adipic p-nitrophenyl diester (18).

For example, conjugation of the products of Formula II to the aminopropyl glycoside (19) of 6′SLN may be achieved via the intermediate 6′SLN-S₁-S₂-Nph (20) prepared according to Scheme IVα. Alternatively, conjugation of the products of Formula II to the aminopropyl glycoside (39A) of A_(tri) may be achieved via the intermediate A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-Nph (40A) prepared according to Scheme IVβ. Conjugation of the products of Formula II to the aminopropyl glycoside (39B) of B_(tri) may be achieved via the intermediate B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-Nph (40B) prepared according to Scheme IVγ.

The intermediate F-S₁-S₂-Nph (e.g. 6′SLN-S₁-S₂-Nph (20), A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-Nph (40A) or B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-Nph (40B)) is then conjugated to a trivalent (e.g. 21) or tetravalent (e.g. 22) product of Formula II to provide either a triligand construct (e.g. 23) or a tetra ligand construct (e.g. 24) according to Scheme VAα or VBα, respectively.

In addition to the specificity of binding of the multiligand constructs being determined by the characteristics of the moiety selected to provide the ligand, and the avidity of binding between the construct and the receptor expressing target being optimized by the intra-construct ligand separation, the properties of the multiligand constructs may be further optimised by alternatively conjugating the intermediate F-S₁-S₂-A (20) to a product of Formula II that has been demethylated.

For example, the intermediate 6′SLN-S₁-S₂-Nph (20) may be conjugated to trivalent (e.g. 21) or tetravalent (e.g. 22) products of Formula II with the inclusion of a demethylation step to provide either a triligand construct (e.g. 25) or a tetraligand construct (e.g. 26) according to either Scheme VIAα or VIBα, respectively.

Thus multiligand constructs prepared from the structures identified in Tables 4 and 5 may be selected according to the intra-construct ligand separation required to provide optimal avidity or binding between the multiligand construct and the receptor expressing target.

The differing properties of the methylated and demethylated multiligand constructs are anticipated to provide further advantages in respect of the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and avidity of between the construct and the receptor expressing target when administering the multiligand constructs to a subject as a pharmaceutical preparation.

TABLE 4

(33)

(34)

(35)

TABLE 5

(36)

(37)

(38)

EXAMPLES Materials and Methods

Acetone, benzene, chloroform, ethylacetate, methanol, toluene and o-xylene were from Chimmed (Russian Federation). Acetonitrile was from Cryochrom (Russian Federation). DMSO, DMF, CF₃COOH, Et₃N, N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide were from Merck (Germany). Iminodiacetic acid dimethyl ester hydrochloride was from Reakhim (Russian Federation).

Dowex 50X4-400 and Sephadex LH-20 were from Amersham Biosciences AB (Sweden). Silica gel 60 was from Merck (Germany).

Triamine (H₂N—CH₂)₃CCH₃ was synthesized as described by Fleischer et al. (1971).

Tetraamine (H₂N—CH₂)₄C×2H₂SO₄ was synthesized as described by Litherland et al. (1938).

Glycoside Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O(CH₂)₃NH₂ was synthesized as described by Pazynina et al. (2002).

Trisaccharides GalNAcα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O(CH₂)₃NH₂ and Galα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O(CH₂)₃NH₂ were synthesized as described by Korchagina and Bovin (1992).

Thin-layer chromatography was performed using silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ aluminium sheets (Merck, 1.05554) with detection by charring after 7% H₃PO₄ soaking.

¹H NMR spectra were recorded at 30° C. with a Bruker WM 500 MHz instrument using the signal of the solvent's residual protons as reference ([D₆]DMSO, 2.500 ppm; [D₂]H₂O, 4.750 ppm).

ELISA for quantification of antibodies to blood group carbohydrate antigens was performed as described by Shilova et al. (2005).

Preparation of (CF₃COOH.H-Gly₂-HNCH₂)₃CCH₃ (6) (SCHEME 1A)

To the stirred solution of triamine (H₂N—CH₂)₃CCH₃ (1) (600 mg, 5.128 mmol) in ethanol (50 ml) Boc-GlyGlyNos (3) (5800 mg, 17.62 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h, than stored at room temperature overnight.

The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dried under vacuum and dissolved in ethyl acetate (125 ml).

The solution was washed with saturated aqueous NaCl (15 times 15 ml), water (3 times 5 ml), and dried with Na₂SO₄. The resulting solution was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was dried under vacuum.

The dried material (foam) was stored for 3 h with diethyl ether (40 ml) and then pulverized. The precipitate was filtered, washed with diethyl ether (3 times 10 ml) and dried under vacuum. Yield of (Boc-Gly₂-HNCH₂)₃CH₃ (4) was 3815 mg (98%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.) δ ppm: 8.212 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 3H; C—CH₂—NH), 7.850 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 3H; CH₂—NH), 6.910 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 3H; CH₂—NH-Boc), 3.697 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 6H; CH ₂—NH), 3.631 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 6H; CH ₂—NH), 2.835 (d, 6H; CCH₂), 1.382 (s, 27H; OC(CH ₃)₃), 0.657 (s, 3H, CH₃) ppm.

The (Boc-Gly₂-HNCH₂)₃CH₃ (4) (1500 mg, 1.976 mmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (5 ml) and the solution was kept for 2 h at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was removed under vacuum and the residue was three times extracted with Et₂O (slight agitation with 30 ml of Et₂O for 30 min., followed by decantation) to eliminate residual CF₃COOH.

Solid residue was dissolved in 5 ml of water and freeze dried. Yield of (CF₃COOH.H-Gly₂-HNCH₂)₃CCH₃ (6) was 97%, white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 3.934 (s, 6H, C(O)CH₂N), 3.870 (s, 6H, C(O)CH₂N), 2.972 (s, 6H, CCH₂), 0.739 (s, 3H, CH₃).

Preparation of (CF₃COOH.H-Gly₂-NHCH₂)₄C (7) (SCHEME IB)

To the stirred solution of tetraamine (H₂N—CH₂)₄C×2H₂SO₄ (2) (500 mg, 1.52 mmol) in the mixture of 1M aqueous NaHCO₃ (18.2 ml) and i-PrOH (9 ml) Boc-GlyGlyNos (3) (4012 mg, 12.18 mmol) was added (CO₂ evolution, foaming). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min, then 6 ml of 1M aqueous NaHCO₃ was added and the mixture stirred overnight.

Precipitate of (Boc-Gly₂-HNCH₂)₄C (5) was filtered, washed thoroughly with methanol/water mixture (1:1, 20 ml) and dried in vacuum. Yield 1470 mg (98%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 8.491 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 7.784 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 1H; C—CH₂—NHCO), 6.858 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 3.696 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.675 (d, J=6 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 2.685 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.375 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃.

The (Boc-Gly₂-HNCH₂)₄C (5) (1450 mg, 1.466 mmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (5 ml) and the solution was kept for 2 h at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was removed under vacuum and the residue was three times extracted with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 30 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min., followed by decantation) to eliminate residual CF₃COOH.

Solid residue was dried under vacuum, dissolved in a minimum volume of water and passed through a Sephadex LH-20 column and eluted with water. Fractions, containing pure (7), were combined, evaporated to c. 5 ml and freeze dried. Yield 1424 mg (93%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.5 (ethanol/conc. NH₃; 2:1 (v/v)).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.028 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.972 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 2.960 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH).

Preparation of {[2-(2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-acetylamino)-acetyl]-methoxycarbonylmethyl-amino}-acetic acid methyl ester (9) (SCHEME II)

To a stirred solution of (methoxycarbonylmethyl-amino)-acetic acid methyl ester hydrochloride (8) (988 mg, 5 mmol) in DMF (15 ml) were added Boc-GlyGlyNos (3) (3293 mg, 10 mmol) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (3475 μL, 25 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and then diluted with o-xylene (70 ml) and evaporated.

Flash column chromatography on silica gel (packed in toluene, and eluted with ethyl acetate) resulted in a crude product.

The crude product was dissolved in chloroform and washed sequentially with water, 0.5 M NaHCO₃ and saturated KCl.

The chloroform extract was evaporated and the product purified on a silica gel column (packed in chloroform and eluted with 15:1 (v/v) chloroform/methanol). Evaporation of the fractions and drying under vacuum of the residue provided a colourless thick syrup of (9). Yield 1785 mg, (95%). TLC: R_(f)=0.49 (7:1 (v/v) chloroform/methanol).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 7.826 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 6.979 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.348 and 4.095 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COO), 3.969 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.689 and 3.621 (s, 3H; OCH ₃), 3.559 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO). 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

Preparation of {[2-(2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-acetylamino)-acetyl]-methoxycarbonylmethyl-amino}-acetic acid (10) (SCHEME II)

To a stirred solution of (9) (1760 mg, 4.69 mmol) in methanol (25 ml) 0.2 M aqueous NaOH (23.5 ml) was added and the solution kept for 5 min at room temperature. The solution was then acidified with acetic acid (0.6 ml) and evaporated to dryness.

Column chromatography of the residue on silica gel (packed in ethyl acetate and eluted with 2:3:1 (v/v/v) i-PrOH/ethyl acetate/water) resulted in a recovered (9) (63 mg, 3.4%) and target compound (10) (1320 mg). The intermediate product was then dissolved in methanol/water/pyridine mixture (20:10:1, 30 ml) and passed through an ion exchange column (Dowex 50X4-400, pyridine form, 5 ml) to remove residual sodium cations.

The column was then washed with the same solvent mixture, the eluant evaporated, the residue dissolved in chloroform/benzene mixture (1:1, 50 ml) and then evaporated and dried under vacuum. Yield of 10 was 1250 mg (74%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.47 (4:3:1 (v/v/v) i-PrOH/ethyl acetate/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), mixture of cis- and trans-conformers of N-carboxymethylglycine unit c. 3:1. Major conformer; δ, ppm: 7.717 (t, J=5 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 7.024 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.051 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COOCH₃), 3.928 (d, J=5 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.786 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COOH), 3.616 (s, 3H; OCH ₃), 3.563 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 1.381 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃) ppm; minor conformer, δ=7.766 (t, J=5 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 7.015 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.288 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COOCH₃), 3.928 (d, J=5 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.858 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COOH), 3.676 (s, 3H; OCH ₃), 3.563 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 1.381 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

Preparation of {[2-(2-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-acetylamino)-acetyl]-methoxycarbonylmethyl-amino}-acetic acid N-oxysuccinimide ester (Boc-Gly₂(MCMGly)Nos) (11) (SCHEME II)

To an ice-cooled stirred solution of (10) (1200 mg, 3.32 mmol) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (420 mg, 3.65 mmol) in DMF (10 ml) was added N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (754 mg, 3.65 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min, then for 2 hours at room temperature.

The precipitate of N,N′-dicyclohexylurea was filtered off, washed with DMF (5 ml), and filtrates evaporated to a minimal volume. The residue was then agitated with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (50 ml) for 1 hour and an ether extract removed by decantation. The residue was dried under vacuum providing the active ester (11) (1400 mg, 92%) as a white foam. TLC: R_(f)=0.71 (40:1 (v/v) acetone/acetic acid).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), mixture of cis- and trans-conformers of N-carboxymethylglycine unit c. 3:2.

Major conformer; δ, ppm: 7.896 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 6.972 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.533 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COON), 4.399 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COOCH₃), 3.997 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.695 (s, 3H; OCH ₃), 3.566 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

Minor conformer; δ, ppm: 7.882 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 6.963 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.924 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COON), 4.133 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COOCH₃), 4.034 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.632 (s, 3H; OCH ₃), 3.572 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

The active ester (11) (1380 mg) was dissolved in DMSO to provide a volume of 6 ml and used as a 0.5 M solution (stored at −18° C.).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (13) (SCHEME IIIA)

To a stirred solution of (CF₃COOH.H-Gly₂-NHCH₂)₃CCH₃ (6) (401 mg, 0.5 mmol) in DMSO (4 ml) the active ester (11) (1.8 mmol, 3 ml of 0.6 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (417 μL, 3 mmol) was added.

The mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature, acidified with 300 μL AcOH and the solution passed through a Sephadex LH-20 gel column (2.4×40 cm) in 2:1 (v/v) methanol/water plus 0.5% AcOH.

Fractions containing 12 were combined, evaporated and dried. The residue was dissolved in 2:3:1 (v/v/v) 2-propanol/ethyl acetate/water mixture and fractionated on silica gel column (2.6×25 cm) (eluted with 2:3:1 (v/v/v) 2-propanol/ethyl acetate/water+0.5% AcOH).

Fractions contained pure 12 were combined, evaporated and dried. The residue was dissolved in 1:1 (v/v) acetone/2-propanol mixture (10 mL), filtered, and the filtrate evaporated and thoroughly dried under vacuum. Yield of pure {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (12) was 682 mg (91.5%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.31 (2:3:1 (v/v/v) 2-propanol/ethyl acetate/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.) (number of hydrogens per one chain) mixture of conformers; δ, ppm: 8.725-7.790 (triplets, 4H; NHCO), 6.997 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.527-3.570 (15H; 5COCH ₂N, COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 2.846 (broad. d, J=6.1 Hz, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃), 0.615 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (12) (560 mg, 0.376 mmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (2 ml) and the solution was kept for 60 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 20 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to eliminate residual CF₃COOH, and then dried, dissolved in water (c. 3 mL) and freeze-dried.

Yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (13) was 564 mg (98%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), (number of hydrogens per one chain) mixture of conformers; δ, ppm: 4.437-3.781 (15H; 5COCH ₂N, COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 3.019 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 0.786 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (21)

To a stirred solution of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (13) (459 mg, 0.3 mmol) in DMSO (2 ml) the active ester (11) (1.125 mmol, 1.875 ml of 0.6 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (250 μL, 1.8 mmol) was added.

The mixture was stirred for 4 h at room temperature, acidified with 200 μL AcOH and the solution passed through a Sephadex LH-20 gel column (2.4×40 cm) in 2:1 (v/v) methanol/water plus 0.5% AcOH.

Fractions containing the product were combined, evaporated and freeze-dried from 2 ml of water. Yield of pure {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ was (14) 627 mg (94%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.29 (4:3:2 (v/v/v) 2-propanol/ethyl acetate/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), (number of hydrogens shown per one chain) mixture of conformers, δ, ppm: 8.524-7.772 (triplets, 6H; NHCO), 6.991 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.379-3.565 (26H; 8COCH ₂N, 2COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, 2COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 2.837 (broad. d, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃), 0.650 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (14) (617 mg, 0.278 μmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (2 ml) and the solution kept for 60 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue was extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 15 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to eliminate residual CF₃COOH, and then dried, dissolved in water (c. 3 mL) and freeze-dried.

Yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (21) was 607 mg (97%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), (number of hydrogens shown per one chain) mixture of conformers, δ, ppm: 4.443-3.781 (26H; 8COCH ₂N, 2COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, 2COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 3.018 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 0.787 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (27)

To a stirred solution of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (21) (594 mg, 0.2627 mmol) in DMSO (3 ml) the active ester (11) (1.051 mmol, 1.752 ml of 0.6 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (219 μL, 1.576 mmol) was added.

The mixture was stirred for 4 h at room temperature, acidified with 180 μL AcOH and the solution passed through a Sephadex LH-20 gel column (2.4×40 cm) in 2:1 (v/v) methanol/water plus 0.5% AcOH.

Fractions containing the product were combined, evaporated and freeze-dried from 2 ml of water. Yield of pure {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ was 756 mg (97.5%). TLC: R_(f)=0.48 (4:3:2 (v/v/v) 2-propanol/ethyl acetate/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), (number of hydrogens shown per one chain) mixture of conformers, δ, ppm: 8.519-7.773 (triplets, 8H; NHCO), 6.990 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.381-3.565 (37H; 11COCH ₂N, 3COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, 3COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 2.837 (broad. d, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃), 0.651 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (739 mg, 0.2506 mmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (2.5 ml) and the solution was kept for 60 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue was extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 10 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to remove residual CF₃COOH, and then dried, dissolved in water (c. 3 mL) and freeze-dried.

Yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (27) was 719 mg (96%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), (number of hydrogens shown per one chain) mixture of conformers, δ, ppm: 4.444-3.777 (37H; 11COCH ₂N, 3COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, 3COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 3.014 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 0.784 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (28)

To a stirred solution of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (27) (507 mg, 0.1695 mmol) in DMSO (3 ml) the active ester (11) (0.7629 mmol, 1.272 ml of 0.6 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (141 μL, 1.017 mmol) was added.

The mixture was stirred for 4 h at room temperature, acidified with 200 μL AcOH and the solution passed through a Sephadex LH-20 gel column (2.4×40 cm) in 2:1 (v/v) methanol/water plus 0.5% AcOH.

Fractions containing the product were combined, evaporated to c. 3 ml volume and freeze dried. Yield of {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ was 605 mg (97%). TLC: R_(f)=0.33 (4:3:2 (v/v/v) 2-propanol/ethyl acetate/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), (number of hydrogens shown per one chain) mixture of conformers, δ, ppm: 8.519-7.773 (triplets, 10H; NHCO), 6.990 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.381-3.565 (48H; 14COCH ₂N, 4COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, 4COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 2.838 (broad. d, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃), 0.651 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (600 mg, 0.1631 mmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (2 ml) and the solution was kept for 60 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue was extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 10 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to remove residual CF₃COOH, and then dried, dissolved in water (c. 3 mL) and freeze-dried.

Yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (28) was 589 mg (97%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), (number of hydrogens shown per one chain) mixture of conformers, δ, ppm: 4.445-3.781 (48H; 14COCH ₂N, 4COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, 4COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 3.017 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 0.787 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (29)

To a stirred solution of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (28) (208 mg, 56 μmol) in DMSO (2 ml) the active ester (11) (251.6 μmol, 420 μL of 0.6 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (47 μl, 336 μmol) was added.

The mixture was stirred for h at room temperature, acidified with 150 μL AcOH and the solution passed through a Sephadex LH-20 gel column (2.4×40 cm) in 2:1 (v/v) methanol/water plus 0.5% AcOH.

Fractions containing the product were combined, evaporated to c. 2 ml volume and freeze dried. Yield of {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ was 242 mg (98%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.25 (4:3:2 (v/v/v) 2-propanol/ethyl acetate/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), (number of hydrogens shown per one chain) mixture of conformers, δ, ppm: 8.383-7.772 (triplets, 12H; NHCO), 6.990 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.304-3.564 (59H; 17COCH ₂N, 5COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, 5COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 2.837 (broad. d, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃), 0.651 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (80.5 mg, 183 μmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (1 ml) and the solution was kept for 60 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue was extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 5 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to remove residual CF₃COOH, and then dried, dissolved in water (c. 1 mL) and freeze-dried.

Yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (29) was 76.4 mg (94%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), (number of hydrogens shown per one chain) mixture of conformers, δ, ppm: 4.445-3.780 (59H; 17COCH ₂N, 5COCH ₂(COOCH₃)N, 5COCH₂(COOCH ₃)N), 3.016 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 0.787 (s, one CH ₃ per whole molecule).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (16) (SCHEME IIIB)

To a stirred solution of (CF₃COOH.H-Gly₂-HNCH₂)₄C (7) (277 mg, 0.265 mmol) in DMSO (2 ml) the active ester (11) (1.591 mmol, 3.18 ml of 0.5 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (295 μL, 2.121 mmol) were added.

The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, acidified with 150 μL AcOH and solvent removed under vacuum (freeze drying). The residue was extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 20 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation).

The solid residue was dissolved in a minimal volume of acetone and fractionated on silica gel column (packed in acetone and eluted with acetone, 20:2:1 (v/v/v) acetone/methanol/water and 15:2:1 (v/v/v) acetone/methanol/water).

Selected fractions were evaporated and the residue was dried under vacuum. The yield of pure {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (15) was 351 mg (68%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.38 (15:2:1 (v/v/v) acetone/methanol/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), mixture of cis- and trans-conformers of N-carboxymethylglycine unit in chain c. 3:2.

Major conformer; δ, ppm: 8.593 (t, J=5 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 8.335 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 7.821 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 1H; C—CH₂—NHCO), 7.786 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 6.993 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.139 (s, 2H; NCH ₂CO), 4.074 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COO(CH₃)), 3.985 (d, J=5 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.887 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.726 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.634 (s, 3H; OCH ₃), 3.567 (d, J=6 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 2.686 (broad. d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.379 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

Minor conformer; δ, ppm: 8.511 (t, J=5 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 8.158 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 7.821 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 1H; C—CH₂—NHCO), 7.786 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H; NHCO), 6.993 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.292 (s, 2H; NCH ₂CO), 3.998 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COOCH₃), 3.954 (d, J=5 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.826 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.715 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.692 (s, 3H; OCH ₃), 3.567 (d, J=6 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 2.686 (broad. d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.379 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (15) (330 mg, 0.168 mmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (2 ml) and the solution was kept for 40 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 20 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to eliminate residual CF₃COOH, and then dried under vacuum.

The yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (16) was 337 mg (99%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), mixture of cis- and trans-conformers of N-carboxymethylglycine unit in chain c. 11:10.

Major conformer; δ, ppm: 4.370 (s, 2H; NCH ₂CO), 4.265 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COOCH₃), 4.215 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 4.138 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.968 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.919 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH₂ ⁺), 3.775 (s, 3H; OCH ₃), 2.914 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH).

Minor conformer; δ, ppm: 4.431 (s, 2H; NCH ₂CO), 4.241 (s, 2H; NCH ₂COOCH₃), 4.239 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 4.074 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.960 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH), 3.919 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH₂ ⁺), 3.829 (s, 3H; OCH ₃), 2.914 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (22)

To a stirred solution of (CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]Gly₂-HNCH₂)₄C (16) (272 mg, 0.135 mmol) in DMSO (2 ml) the active ester (11) (0.809 mmol, 1.62 ml of 0.5 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (112 μL, 0.809 mmol) were added.

The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, acidified with 70 μL AcOH and solvent removed under vacuum (freeze drying). The residue was extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 15 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation).

Solid residue was dissolved in a minimal volume of 7:1 (v/v) acetone/methanol mixture and fractionated on a silica gel column (packed in acetone and eluted with 7:1 (v/v) acetone/methanol, 10:2:1 (v/v/v), 9:2:1 (v/v/v), 8:2:1 (v/v/v) acetone/methanol/water).

Selected fractions were evaporated and the residue was dried in vacuum. The yield of pure {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (17) was 279 mg (71%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.42 (8:2:1 (v/v/v) acetone/methanol/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), mixture of conformers by two N-carboxymethyl-glycine units per chain, δ, ppm: 8.604, 8.519, 8.397, 8.388, 8.346, 8.211, 8.200, 8.167, 8.034, 8.024, 7.925, 7.912, 7.819 and 7.773 (t, 6H; 6 NHCO), 6.992 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.302-3.723 (18H; 2 NCH ₂CO, 2 NCH ₂COOCH₃, 5 COCH ₂NH), 3.692, 3.689 and 3.632 (s, 6H; 2 OCH ₃), 3.566 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 2.686 (broad. d, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (17) (269 mg, 91.65 μmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (2 ml) and the solution was kept for 40 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 15 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to remove residual CF₃COOH, and then dried under vacuum.

The yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (22) was 270 mg (98%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), mixture of conformers by two N-carboxymethyl-glycine units per chain, δ, ppm: 4.441-3.963 (singlets, 18H; 2 NCH ₂CO, 2 NCH ₂COOCH₃, 5 COCH ₂NH), 3.920 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH₂ ⁺), 3.833, 3.824, 3.780 and 3.773 (s, 6H; 2 OCH ₃), 2.918 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (30)

To a stirred solution of (CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₂Gly₂-HNCH₂)₄C (21) (175 mg, 58.5 μmol) in DMSO (2 ml) the active ester (11) (0.351 mmol, 0.702 ml of 0.5 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (49 μL, 0.351 mmol) were added.

The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, acidified with 30 μL AcOH and solvent removed under vacuum (freeze drying). The residue was dissolved in a minimal volume of a mixture of 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water and fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water).

Selected fractions were evaporated and the residue was dried in vacuum. The yield of pure {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C was 279 mg (71%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.42 (8:2:1 (v/v/v) acetone/methanol/water).

Fractions containing {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C were combined, evaporated to c. 2 ml volume and freeze dried. The initial yield was 215 mg (94%). Additional purification on a silica gel column (packed in acetonitrile and eluted with 4:5:2 (v/v/v) i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water) resulted in 169 mg of Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (yield 74%, white solid). TLC: R_(f)=0.45 (4:5:2 (v/v/v) i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), mixture of conformers by three N-carboxymethyl-glycine units per chain, δ, ppm: 8.594-7.772 (triplets, together 8H; 8 NHCO), 6.989 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.303-3.722 (26H; 3 NCH ₂CO₃ 3 NCH ₂COOCH₃, 7 COCH ₂NH), 3.692 and 3.632 (s, 9H; 3 OCH ₃), 3.565 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 2.687 (broad. d, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (146 mg, 37.36 μmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (1 ml) and the solution was kept for 40 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 10 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to remove residual CF₃COOH, and then dried under vacuum.

The yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (30) was 147 mg (99%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), mixture of conformers by three N-carboxymethyl-glycine units per chain, δ, ppm: 4.446-3.964 (singlets, 26H; 3 NCH ₂CO, 3 NCH ₂COOCH₃, 7 COCH ₂NH), 3.924 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH₂ ⁺), 3.836, 3.828, 3.824, 3.783, 3.778 and 3.773 (s, 9H; 3 OCH ₃), 2.919 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (31)

To a stirred solution of (CF₃COOH.H-Gly₂(MCMGly)₃-HNCH₂)₄C (30) (68 mg, 17.16 μmol) in DMSO (1 ml) the active ester (11) (0.137 mmol, 0.275 ml of 0.5 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (14.3 μL, 0.103 mmol) were added.

The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, acidified with 100 μL AcOH and solvent removed under vacuum (freeze drying). The residue was dissolved in a minimal volume of a mixture of 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water (0.25% AcOH) and fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water (0.25% AcOH)).

Fractions containing {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C were combined, evaporated to c. 2 ml volume and freeze dried. The yield was 81 mg (96%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.24 (4:5:2 (v/v/v) i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), mixture of conformers by four N-carboxymethyl-glycine units per chain, δ, ppm: 8.590-7.773 (triplets, 10H; 10 NHCO), 6.989 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.303-3.722 (34H; 4 NCH ₂CO, 4 NCH ₂COOCH₃, 9 COCH ₂NH), 3.691 and 3.631 (s, 12H; 4 OCH ₃), 3.565 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 2.684 (broad. d, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.379 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (74 mg, 15.16 μmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (1 ml) and the solution was kept for 40 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 10 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to remove residual CF₃COOH, and then dried under vacuum.

The yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (31) was 72 mg (96%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), mixture of conformers by four N-carboxymethyl-glycine units per chain, δ, ppm: 4.446-3.964 (singlets, 34H; 4 NCH ₂CO, 4 NCH ₂COOCH₃, 9 COCH ₂NH), 3.925 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH₂ ⁺), 3.836, 3.829, 3.827, 3.822, 3.783, 3.779, 3.777 and 3.772 (s, 12H; 4 OCH ₃), 2.919 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH).

Preparation of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (32)

To a stirred solution of (CF₃COOH.H-Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄—HNCH₂)₄C (31) (16.8 mg, 3.403 μmol) in DMSO (1 ml) the active ester (11) (27.2 μmol, 63 μl of 0.5 M solution in DMSO) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (3 μl, 21.6 μmol) were added.

The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, acidified with 100 μL AcOH and solvent removed under vacuum (freeze drying). The residue was dissolved in a minimal volume of a mixture of 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water (0.25% AcOH) and fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water (0.25% AcOH)).

Fractions containing {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C were combined, evaporated to c. 1 ml volume and freeze dried. The yield was 19 mg (95%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.15 (4:3:2 (v/v/v) i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₆]DMSO, 30° C.), mixture of conformers by five N-carboxymethyl-glycine units per chain, δ, ppm: 8.595-7.772 (triplets, 12H; 12 NHCO), 6.989 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H; NHCOO), 4.303-3.723 (42H; 5 NCH ₂CO, 5 NCH ₂COOCH₃, 11 COCH ₂NH), 3.692 and 3.631 (s, 15H; 5 OCH ₃), 3.565 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 2H; COCH ₂NHCOO), 2.686 (broad. d, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 1.380 (s, 9H; C(CH₃)₃).

The {Boc-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (19 mg, 3.25 μmol) was dissolved in CF₃COOH (0.5 ml) and the solution was kept for 40 min at room temperature. Trifluoroacetic acid was evaporated under vacuum, the residue extracted three times with (CH₃CH₂)₂O (slight agitation with 5 ml of (CH₃CH₂)₂O for 30 min followed by decantation) to remove residual CF₃COOH, and then dried under vacuum.

Yield of {CF₃COOH.H-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (32) was 20 mg (99%), white solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.), mixture of conformers by five N-carboxymethyl-glycine units per chain, δ, ppm: 4.446-3.965 (singlets, 42H; 5 NCH ₂CO, 5 NCH ₂COOCH₃, 11 COCH ₂NH), 3.924 (s, 2H; COCH ₂NH₂ ⁺), 3.835, 3.829, 3.827, 3.825, 3.823, 3.783, 3.779, 3.777 and 3.773 (s, 15H; 5 OCH ₃), 2.919 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH).

Preparation of Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O(CH₂)₃NH—CO(CH₂)₄CO—O(p-C₆H₄)NO₂ (6′SLN-S₁-S₂-Nph) (20) (SCHEME IVα)

To a stirred solution of Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O(CH₂)₃NH₂ (19) (100 mg, 0.1367 mmol) in DMSO (1 ml) a solution of adipic p-nitrophenyl diester (18) (372 mg, 0.957 mmol in 2 ml DMF) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (19 μL, 0.1367 mmol) were added. The solution was kept for 15 h at room temperature, acidified with 100 μL of AcOH and diluted with 30 ml of 0.5% aqueous AcOH.

The precipitate of excess (18) was filtered off and washed with 0.5% aqueous AcOH. The filtrate was evaporated to minimal volume and passed through a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water, 0.5% AcOH). Fractions, containing pure (20), were combined, evaporated to c. 2 ml volume and freeze dried. Yield of (20) was 116 mg (87%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.67 (4:3:2(v/v/v) i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 8.350 and 7.391 (m, J_(orto)=9.2 Hz, 2H; p-C₆ H ₄), 4.528 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.435 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.028-3.549 (together 21H; H4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9′ Neu5Acα, H2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6′ Galβ, H2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6′ GlcNAcβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N), 3.293 and 3.197 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.744 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H; CH₂CH ₂COO), 2.667 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.320 (t, J=6.7 Hz, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CONH), 2.062 and 2.039 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.756 (m, 7H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα, OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N, CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO).

Preparation of GalNAcα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O(CH₂)₃NH—CO(CH₂)₄CO—O(p-C₆H₄)NO₂ (A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-Nph) (40A) (SCHEME IVβ)

To a stirred solution of GalNAcα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O(CH₂)₃NH₂ (39A) (31 mg, 0.05285 mmol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) a solution of adipic p-nitrophenyl diester (18) (102.6 mg, 0.2642 mmol in 1 ml DMF) was added. The solution was kept for 20 h at room temperature, acidified with 70 μL of AcOH and diluted with 17 ml of 0.5% aqueous AcOH.

The precipitate of excess (18) was filtered off and washed with 0.5% aqueous AcOH. The filtrate was evaporated to minimal volume and passed through a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water, 0.5% AcOH). Fractions, containing pure (40A) were combined, evaporated to c. 1 ml volume and freeze dried. Yield of (40A) was 40.4 mg (91%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.69 (4:3:2 (v/v/v) i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 8.359 and 7.398 (m, J_(orto)=9.2 Hz, 2H; p-C₆ H ₄), 5.303 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H; H1 Fucα), 5.179 (d, J=3.7 Hz, 1H; H1 GalNAcα), 4.516 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.409 (ddd, J_(6′)=6.8 Hz, 1H; H5 Fucα), 4.235 (m, 3H; H2 GalNAcα, H5 GalNAcα, H4 Galβ), 4.004 (d, J˜3 Hz, 1H; H4 GalNAcα), 3.971-3.699 (together 12H; H3, 6, 6′ GalNAcα, H2, 3, 4 Fucα, H2, 3, 6, 6′ Galβ) OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N), 3.617 (dd, J=7.8 Hz, J=4.4 Hz, 1H; H5 Galβ), 3.280 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.746 (t, J=7 Hz, 2H; CH₂CH ₂COO), 2.324 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CONH), 2.051 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.843 (q, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N) 1.744 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO), 1.210 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H; CH₃ Fucα).

Preparation of Galα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O(CH₂)₃NH—CO(CH₂)₄CO—O(p-C₆H₄)NO₂ (B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-Nph) (40B) (SCHEME IVγ)

To a stirred solution of Galα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O(CH₂)₃NH₂ (39B) (34 mg, 0.0623 mmol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) a solution of adipic p-nitrophenyl diester (18) (121 mg, 0.312 mmol in 1.2 ml DMF) was added. The solution was kept for 20 h at room temperature, acidified with 80 μL of AcOH and diluted with 20 ml of 0.5% aqueous AcOH.

The precipitate of unreacted (18) was filtered off and washed with 0.5% aqueous AcOH. The filtrate was evaporated to minimal volume and passed through a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted, with 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water, 0.5% AcOH). Fractions, containing pure (40B) were combined, evaporated to c. 1 ml volume and freeze dried. Yield of (40B) was 46.2 mg (93%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.71 (4:3:2 (v/v/v) i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 8.335 and 7.373 (m, J_(orto)=9.3 Hz, 2H; p-C₆ H ₄), 5.257 (d, J=3.4 Hz, 1H; H1 Galα), 5.219 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 1H; H1 Fucα), 4.503 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.380 (ddd, J₆=6.8 Hz, 1H; H5 Fucα), 4.234 (s, 1H; H4 Galβ), 4.197 (m, J₆˜J_(6′)˜6.2 Hz, 1H; H5 Galα), 3.960-3.677 (together 14H; H2, 3, 4, 6, 6′ Galα, H2, 3, 6, 6′ Galβ, H2, 3, 4 Fucα, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N), 3.626 (dd, J=7.8 Hz, J=4.4 Hz, 1H; H5 Galβ), 3.257 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH₂CH₂N), 2.721 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H; CH₂CH ₂COO), 2.299 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CONH), 1.820 (quin., 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.720 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH₂CH₂CO), 1.173 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H; CH₃ Fucα).

General procedure for the preparation of {Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O(CH₂)₃NH—CO(CH₂)₄CO—[NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—N(CH₂COOCH₃)CH₂CO]_(m)—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂}₃CCH₃, ammonium salt

where m is the integer 3, 4 or 5 (41, 42 or 43) (cf. SCHEME VAα)

To the stirred solution of a product of Formula II (Table 2; 27, 28 or 29) (2 μmol) in DMSO (0.7 mL) 6′SLN-S₁-S₂-Nph (20) (7.4 mg, 7.5 μmol) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (1.4 μL, 10 μmol) were added. The mixture was kept for 24 h at r.t., than (acylation was complete according to TLC data) was acidified with 20 μL of AcOH.

Reaction mixture was fractionated on Sephadex LH-20 column (eluent—MeCN/water (1:1), containing 0.02 M AcOH.Py). Fractions, containing pure glycopeptide (41, 42 or 43, respectively), were combined, evaporated and dried in vacuum. The residue was dissolved in ˜1 mL of water, 80 μL of 0.1 M aqueous ammonia was added, and the solution was freeze dried.

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (m is 3) (41) was 8.7 mg (83%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.65 (methanol/acetonitrile/water 3:3:2).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.): δ=4.555 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.459 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.439-3.535 (58H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, 3 OCH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂N, 28H peptide chain), 3.269 and 3.191 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH₂N), 3.008 (s, 2H; C—CH₂NH), 2.686 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.364 and 2.271 (m, 2H; CH₂CH₂CO), 2.071 and 2.043 (s, 3H; NHCOCH₃), 1.784 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH₂CH₂N), 1.725 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.623 (m, 4H; CH₂CH₂CH₂CO), 0.780 (s, 3H/molecule; H₃C—C—CH₂NH) ppm.

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (m is 4) (42) was 10.2 mg (86%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.62 (methanol/acetonitrile/water 3:3:2).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.): δ=4.555 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.459 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.435-3.532 (69H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, 4 OCH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂N, 36H peptide chain), 3.269 and 3.191 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH₂N), 3.003 (s, 2H; C—CH₂NH), 2.686 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.364 and 2.271 (m, 2H; CH₂CH₂CO), 2.071 and 2.043 (s, 3H; NHCOCH₃), 1.784 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH₂CH₂N), 1.725 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.623 (m, 4H; CH₂CH₂CH₂CO), 0.775 (s, 3H/molecule; H₃C—C—CH₂NH) ppm.

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (m is 5) (43) was 12.1 mg (91%, white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.60 (methanol/acetonitrile/water 3:3:2).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.): δ=4.555 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.459 (d, j=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.439-3.536 (80H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, 5 OCH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂N, 44H peptide chain), 3.269 and 3.191 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH₂N), 3.007 (s, 2H; C—CH₂NH), 2.686 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.364 and 2.271 (m, 2H; CH₂CH₂CO), 2.071 and 2.043 (s, 3H; NHCOCH₂), 1.784 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH₂CH₂N), 1.725 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.623 (m, 4H; CH₂CH₂CH₂CO), 0.779 (s, 3H/molecule; H₃C—C—CH₂NH) ppm.

General procedure for the preparation of {Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O(CH₂)₃NH—CO(CH₂)₄CO—[NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—N(CH₂COOCH₃)CH₂CO]_(m)—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂}₄C, ammonium salt

where m is the integer 3, 4 or 5 (44, 45 or 46) (cf. SCHEME VBα)

To a stirred solution of a product of Formula II (Table 3; 30, 31 or 32) (2 μmol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added 6′SLN-S₁-S₂-Nph (20) (9.8 mg, 10 mmol) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (2 μL, 14.4 μmol). The mixture was kept for 36 hours at room temperature and on completion of acylation (monitored by TLC) acidified with 20 μL of acetic acid.

The reaction mixture was fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile/water, containing 0.02 M AcOH.Py). Fractions containing pure tetraligand construct (44, 45 or 46) were combined, evaporated and dried under vacuum. The residue was dissolved in c. 1 ml of water, 80 μL of 0.1 M aqueous ammonia added, and the solution freeze dried.

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 3) (44) was 13.2 mg (95%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.32 (3:4:6:4 (v/v/v/v) methanol/i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.510 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.415 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.390-3.489 (58H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, 3 OCH ₃, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 28H peptide chain), 3.227 and 3.143 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.865 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.641 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.317 and 2.223 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.025 and 1.997 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.736 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.681 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.577 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO).

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 4) (45) was 15 mg (95%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.25 (3:4:6:4 (v/v/v/v) methanol/i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.509 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.414 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.389-3.488 (69H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, 4 OCH ₃, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 36H peptide chain), 3.226 and 3.143 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.864 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.640 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.315 and 2.222 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.025 and 1.996 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.735 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.679 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.575 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO).

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 5) (46) was 16.4 mg (92%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.22 (3:4:6:4 (v/v/v/v) methanol/i-PrOH/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.509 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.415 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.389-3.488 (80H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, 5 OCH ₃, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 44H peptide chain), 3.226 and 3.143 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.863 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.640 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.315 and 2.222 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.024 and 1.996 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.735 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.679 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H_(3ax) Neu5Acα), 1.575 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO).

General procedure for the preparation of {Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O(CH₂)₃NH—CO(CH₂)₄CO—[NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—N(CH₂COOH)CH₂CO]_(m)—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂}₃CCH₃, ammonium salt

where m is the integer 2, 3, 4 or 5 (25, 47, 48 or 49) (cf. SCHEME VIAα)

To a stirred solution of the product 21 or a product of Formula II (Table 2; 27, 28 or 29) (2 μmol) in DMSO (0.7 ml) was added 6′SLN-S₁-S₂-Nph (20) (7.4 mg, 7.5 μmol) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (1.4 μl, 10 μmol). The mixture was kept for 24 hours at room temperature, 7 μL of (CH₃CH₂)₃N added, and the mixture then kept for 3 hours at room temperature.

The reaction mixture was diluted with water (1.5 ml), (CH₃CH₂)₃N (70 μL) added, and the mixture kept for 24 h at room temperature.

The reaction mixture was then evaporated to minimal volume and the residue fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 0.2 M aqueous NH₃ in 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile-water). Fractions containing pure multiligand construct were combined, evaporated to c. 1 ml volume and freeze dried.

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (m is 2) (25) was 8.0 mg (89%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.41 (3:3:2 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.555 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.460 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.297-3.535 (41H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 20H peptide chain), 3.269 and 3.191 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 3.031 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.687 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.364 and 2.272 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.072 and 2.043 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.784 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.726 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.623 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO), 0.790 (s, 3H/molecule; H ₃C—C—CH₂NH).

Yield of {6′SLN-linker-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (m is 3) (47) was 9.7 mg (92%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.36 (3:3:2 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.555 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.459 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.295-3.535 (49H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 28H peptide chain), 3.269 and 3.191 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 3.032 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.686 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.364 and 2.271 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.071 and 2.043 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.784 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.725 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.623 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO), 0.790 (s, 3H/molecule; H ₃C—C—CH₂NH).

Yield of {6′SLN-linker-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (m is 4) (48) was 11 mg (91%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.34 (3:3:2 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.555 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.459 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.295-3.535 (57H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 36H peptide chain), 3.269 and 3.191 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 3.034 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.686 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.364 and 2.271 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.071 and 2.043 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.784 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.725 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.623 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO), 0.792 (s, 3H/molecule; H ₃C—C—CH₂NH).

Yield of {6′SLN-linker-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (m is 5) (49) was 12.4 mg (92%, white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.33 (3:3:2 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.555 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.459 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.295-3.535 (65H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 44H peptide chain), 3.269 and 3.191 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 3.035 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.686 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, (J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα). 2.364 and 2.271 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.071 and 2.043 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.784 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.725 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.623 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO), 0.792 (s, 3H/molecule; H ₃C—C—CH₂NH).

General procedure for the preparation of {Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O(CH₂)₃NH—CO(CH₂)₄CO—[NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—N(CH₂COOH)CH₂CO]_(m)—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂}₄C, ammonium salt

where m is the integer 3, 4 or 5 (50, 51 or 52) (cf. SCHEME VIBα)

To a stirred solution of a product of Formula II (Table 3; 30, 31 or 32) (5.1 μmol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added 6′SLN-S₁-S₂-Nph (20) (25 mg, 25.5 μmol) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (5 μL, 35.7 μmol). The mixture was kept for 24 hours at room temperature, 10 μL of (CH₃CH₂)₃N added, and the mixture then kept for 3 hours at room temperature.

The reaction mixture was diluted with water (2 ml), (CH₃CH₂)₃N (90 μL) added, and the mixture kept for 24 h at room temperature.

The reaction mixture was then evaporated to minimal volume and the residue fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 0.2 M aqueous NH₃). Fractions containing pure multiligand construct were combined, evaporated to c. 1 ml volume and freeze dried.

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 3) (50) was 31.1 mg (87%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.54 (3:3:2 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.509 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.414 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.254-3.488 (49H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 28H peptide chain), 3.226 and 3.146 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.904 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.640 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.320 and 2.227 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.027 and 1.998 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.740 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.684 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.578 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO).

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 4) (51) was 32.7 mg (81%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.52 (3:3:2 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.508 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.414 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.254-3.489 (57H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 36H peptide chain), 3.226 and 3.146 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.903 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.640 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.320 and 2.227 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.027 and 1.997 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.739 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.683 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.578 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO).

Yield of {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 5) (52) was 26.4 mg (91%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)==0.37 (3:3:2 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 4.508 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.414 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 GlcNAcβ), 4.252-3.488 (65H; 7H Neu5Acα, 6H Galβ, 6H GlcNAcβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 44H peptide chain), 3.226 and 3.146 (m, 1H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.903 (s, 2H; C—CH ₂NH), 2.640 (dd, J_(3ax)=12.5 Hz, J₄=4.6 Hz, 1H; H3_(eq) Neu5Acα), 2.320 and 2.227 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CO), 2.026 and 1.997 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.738 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.681 (t, J_(3eq)=J₄=12.5 Hz, 1H; H3_(ax) Neu5Acα), 1.577 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO).

General procedure for the preparation of {GalNAcα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O(CH₂)₃NH—CO(CH₂)₄CO—[NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—N(CH₂COOH)CH₂CO]_(m)—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂}₄C, ammonium salt

where m is the integer 3 or 5 (53A or 54A) (cf. SCHEME VIIA)

To a stirred solution of a product of Formula II (Table 3; 30 or 32) (2 μmol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added (A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-Nph) (40A) (10 mg, 12 μmol) in DMSO (200 μl) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (3 μL, 21.6 μmol). The mixture was kept for 15 hours at room temperature, 5 μL of (CH₃CH₂)₃N added and the mixture then kept for 5 hours at room temperature.

The reaction mixture was diluted with water (1.4 ml), (CH₃CH₂)₃N (65 μL) added, and the mixture kept for 18 hours at room temperature.

The reaction mixture was then evaporated to minimal volume and the residue fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 0.2 M aqueous NH₃). Fractions containing pure multiligand construct were combined, evaporated to c. 1 ml volume and freeze dried.

Yield of {A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 3) (53A) was 10.9 mg (86%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.64 (1:1:1 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 5.333 (d, J=3.7 Hz, 1H; H1 Fucα), 5.208 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H; H1 GalNAcα), 4.563 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.439 (ddd, J_(6′)=6.7 Hz, 1H; H5 Fucα), 4.320-3.676 (together 45H; 6H GalNAcα, 3H Fucα, 6H Galβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 28H peptide chain), 3.285 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.971 (broad s, 2H; central C—CH ₂—NH), 2.382 and 2.291 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CONH), 2.075 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.862 (q, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.642 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO), 1.242 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H; CH₃ Fucα).

Yield of {A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 5) (54A) was 14.2 mg (85%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.60 (1:1:1 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 5.334 (d, J=3.7 Hz, 1H; H1 Fucα), 5.209 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H; H1 GalNAcα), 4.563 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.440 (ddd, J_(6′)=6.7 Hz, 1H; H5 Fucα), 4.325-3.676 (together 61H; 6H GalNAcα, 3H Fucα, 6H Galβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 44H peptide chain), 3.285 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.971 (broad s, 2H; central C—CH ₂—NH), 2.382 and 2.292 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CONH), 2.076 (s, 3H; NHCOCH ₃), 1.863 (q, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.643 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO), 1.243 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H; CH₃ Fucα).

General procedure for the preparation of {Galα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O(CH₂)₃NH—CO(CH₂)₄CO—[NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—N(CH₂COOH)CH₂CO]_(m)—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂CO—NHCH₂}₄C, ammonium salt

where m is the integer 3 or 5 (53B or 54B) (cf. SCHEME VIIB)

To a stirred solution of a product of Formula II (Table 3; 30 or 31) (2 μmol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-Nph (40B) (9.5 mg, 12 μmol) in DMSO (200 μl) and (CH₃CH₂)₃N (3 μL, 21.6 μmol). The mixture was kept for 20 hours at room temperature.

The reaction mixture was diluted with water (1.4 ml), (CH₃CH₂)₃N (65 μL) added, and the mixture kept for 20 hours at room temperature.

The reaction mixture was then evaporated to minimal volume and the residue fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column (eluted with 0.2 M NH₃ in MeOH/water 1:1 mixture). Fractions containing pure multiligand construct were combined, evaporated to c. 1 ml volume and freeze dried.

Yield of {B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 3) (53B) was 10.6 mg (86%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.37 (3:3:2 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 5.271 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H; H1 Galα), 5.233 (d, J=3.4 Hz, 1H; H1 Fucα), 4.533 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.394 (ddd, J_(6′)=6.6 Hz, 1H; H5 Fucα), 4.274-3.669 (together 45H; 6H Galα, 3H Fucα, 6H Galβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 28H peptide chain), 3.246 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.927 (broad s, 2H; central C—CH ₂—NH), 2.341 and 2.250 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CONH), 1.822 (q, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.600 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO), 1.187 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H; CH₃ Fucα).

Yield of {B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (m is 5) (54B) was 12.7 mg (92%), white solid. TLC: R_(f)=0.62 (1:1:1 (v/v/v) methanol/acetonitrile/water).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, [D₂]H₂O, 30° C.) δ, ppm: 5.270 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H; H1 Galα), 5.232 (d, J=3.4 Hz, 1H; H1 Fucα), 4.533 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H; H1 Galβ), 4.394 (ddd, J_(6′)=6.6 Hz, 1H; H5 Fucα), 4.275-3.668 (together 61H; 6H Galα, 3H Fucα, 6H Galβ, OCH ₂CH₂CH₂N, 44H peptide chain), 3.246 (m, 2H; OCH₂CH₂CH ₂N), 2.925 (broad s, 2H; central C—CH ₂—NH), 2.341 and 2.249 (m, 2H; CH₂CH ₂CONH), 1.821 (q, 2H; OCH₂CH ₂CH₂N), 1.600 (m, 4H; CH ₂CH ₂CH₂CO), 1.187 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H; CH₃ Fucα).

Antiviral Activity of Multiligand Constructs of the Ligand Designated 6′SLN

Triligand constructs were tested as inhibitors of influenza virus using the solid-phase fetuin binding inhibition (FBI) assay described by Gambaryan and Matrosovich (1992).

Briefly, virus was adsorbed to the wells of fetuin-coated polystyrene microplates (Costar) at 4° C. overnight and unbound virus washed off.

A volume (0.05 ml) of a solution containing a fixed amount of peroxidase-labeled fetuin and a variable amount of the multiligand construct was added to the plate.

The solutions were prepared in phosphate-buffered saline supplemented with 0.02% bovine serum albumin, 0.02% Tween 80, and 10 μmol of the sialidase inhibitor 4-amino-4-deoxy-Neu5Ac2en.

Plates were incubated for 1 hour at 2 to 4° C., washed, and the amount of peroxidase-labeled fetuin bound determined using the chromogenic substrate o-phenylenediamine.

The dissociation constant (K_(D)) of virus complexed with the multiligand construct was calculated based on the concentration of the sialic acid residues and results averaged (Table 6).

Tetraligand constructs were tested as for triligand constructs and results averaged (Table 7).

Antibody Neutralising Activity of Tetraligand Constructs of the Ligand Designated A_(tri)

Tetraligand constructs 53A and 54A were tested as blockers of antibodies directed to the trisaccharide antigen A_(tri) (IgM monoclonals A3) and anti-A antibodies from human blood serum using inhibition ELISA.

The inhibitory activity was compared with an ELISA plate coated with a polyacrylamide conjugate of the trisaccharide antigen A_(tri) (Shilova et al (2005)).

The neutralising activity of tetraligand constructs 53A and 54A was found to be higher than that of polyvalent 30 kDa polymer with pendant trisaccharide antigen A_(tri) (A_(tri)-PAA).

Antibody Neutralising Activity of Tetraligand Constructs of the Ligand Designated B_(tri)

Tetraligand constructs 53B and 54B were tested as blockers of antibodies directed to the trisaccharide antigen B_(tri) (IgM monoclonals B8) using inhibition ELISA.

The neutralising activity of tetraligand constructs 53B and 54B was found to be higher than that of polyvalent 30 kDa polymer with pendant trisaccharide antigen B_(tri) (B_(tri)-PAA).

Although the invention has been described by way of exemplary embodiments it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred to in this specification.

TABLE 6 Relative inhibitory activity of triligand constructs. Virus Inhibitor A/Nib/23/89M-MA (H1N1)^(a) A/Nib/26/90M (H3N2) B/Nib/48/90M 6′SLN 1 1 1 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (25) 50 4 1 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (47) 300 20 3 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (48) 300 40 4 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃ (49) 300 75 6 ^(a)Influenza A virus, A/Minnesota 18/2003-MA (H1N1) provided the same results. ^(b)For the monomeric trisaccharide 6′SLN K_(D) is 100 μM.

TABLE 7 Relative inhibitory activity of tetraligand constructs. Virus Inhibitor A/Nib/23/89M-MA (H1N1)^(a) A/Nib/26/90M (H3N2) B/Nib/48/90M 6′SLN 1 1 1 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (44) 50 3 1 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (45) 50 5 2 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(MCMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (46) 50 10 3 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C 5 0.5 0.3 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (26) 100 2 0.7 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₃Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (50) 500 50 5 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₄Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (51) 500 100 10 {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C (52) 500 200 20 ^(a)Influenza A virus, A/Minnesota 18/2003-MA (H1N1) provided the same results. ^(b)For the monomeric trisaccharide 6′SLN K_(D) is 100 μM.

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INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Multiligand constructs for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and intermediate multivalent constructs for use in the preparation of the multiligand constructs are provided.

In particular, tri- and tetra-ligand constructs for use in the inhibition of ligand-receptor mediated events such as viral infection of cells and the initiation of immune responses are provided. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A multiligand construct of the structure [F-S₁-S₂-S₃-]_(n)CA where: F is a ligand for a receptor; S₁ is selected from the group consisting of: 1-amino-C₂₋₄-alkyl; S₂ is selected from the group consisting of: —CO(CH₂)₃CO—, —CO(CH₂)₄CO—, and —CO(CH₂)₅CO—; S₃ is of the structure:

R is CH₃ or H; m is an integer between 1 and 5; * is a bond; and n is 3 or 4, A is CH₃ or is absent, wherein n is 3 when A is CH₃ and n is 4 when A is absent.
 2. The multiligand construct of claim 1 where the receptor is selected from the group consisting of: influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA), anti-A and anti-B immunoglobulin.
 3. The multiligand construct of claim 1 where F is a ligand selected from the group consisting of: Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-O-(6′SLN), GalNAcα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O-(A_(tri)) and Galα1-3(Fucα1-2)Galβ-O-(B_(tri)).
 4. The multiligand construct of claim 1 where S₁ is 1-aminopropyl.
 5. The multiligand construct of claim 1 where S₂ is —CO(CH₂)₄CO—.
 6. A multiligand construct of claim 1 of the structure:

designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₃CCH₃.
 7. A multiligand construct of claim 1 of the structure:

designated {6′SLN-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C.
 8. A multiligand construct of claim 1 of the structure:

designated {A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₂Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C.
 9. A multiligand construct of claim 1 of the structure:

designated {A_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C.
 10. A multiligand construct of claim 1 of the structure:

designated {B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₂Gly2-NHCH₂}₄C.
 11. A multiligand construct of claim 1 of the structure:

designated {B_(tri)-S₁-S₂-[Gly₂(CMGly)]₅Gly₂-NHCH₂}₄C. 